Drew's Story

by Drew Hawley
(Frederick, MD, USA)

I am a 21 year old polevaulter at Mount Saint Mary's University. In December I tore my ACL while vaulting at practice a few days before Christmas. For the next few months I spent my time on crutches until March 2, 2009; That is the date of my surgery. And let me tell you those were the most frustrating and painful days, i felt helpless because i was relying on everyone to come to my side to help and i just wanted my independence back. The surgery itself was the easiest part of the whole experience. I was in and out the same day and there was minimal pain due to medications. I was off of the pain killers within a week, and within two weeks i was walking without crutches with a brace. I am now almost five weeks post-op and i feel great! I am going to physical therapy and i have almost full range of motion back in my leg with no pain at all while doing normal activities like walking and even minimal dancing! The whole process is a long one but it is not as bad as everyone says it is. Hopefully i will be pole vaulting again by September and getting ready for my next season. Good luck to everyone who is getting their surgery and remember it is all done to make it feel better in the future so stay positive!